On
November 20, the Leadership of the House and Senate joined with me to announce
to the American people a bipartisan agreement to bring about meaningful
reductions in the Federal deficit and maintain confidence in our Nation's
economy. The agreement reflects a bipartisan commitment to reduce the deficit
substantially over the next two years. It maintains vital government services,
upholds our national security, and preserves the integrity and fairness
embodied in last year's tax reform legislation.

In
an agreement of this magnitude that results from tough bargaining, it is not
difficult to find something with which to disagree. Nevertheless, the agreement
is our best hope for achieving deficit reduction without resorting to
indiscriminate across-the-board cuts that would devastate essential services.

I
pledge to continue working with the Congress to complete this vital task begun
by our negotiating teams. We must join together in a bipartisan way to preserve
our economic gains and keep our Nation strong.

Sincerely,

Ronald
Reagan

Note: Identical letters
were sent to each Member of Congress. The original was not available for
verification of the contents of this letter.